Using of Boron Wastes in Red Brick Production

Abstract

Large amounts of boron containing wastes are come into being during its extraction processes. The wastes consist of high amount of boron do not only cause economic loss but also serious environmental problems. Boron wastes contain boron oxide and clay can be used in the production of building materials, glass and ceramic. Utilization of boron pond waste from Eti Kırka Boron Works, Turkey in red brick manufacture was investigated. Adding different ratio of boron waste into the brick clay mixture, samples were formed. The pressed samples were fired at temperatures of 800°C and 900°C. The effects of boron waste addition on physical, mechanical and firing properties of red brick were examined by DTA-TG survey, three-point bending test, water absorption, porosity and bulk density tests. Microstructures of selected fired samples were also examined using SEM. Results shown that physical and mechanical properties of all samples were improved with boron waste addition. The best result was obtained when 20% of boron waste was used in the production.